 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
THINGS TO DO
No matter what you drive--sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling.
- Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
- Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
- Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if you are pleased, trust them
with more complicated repairs later
- Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
- Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff.
- Get Referrals
- All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
- Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.
- Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.
- Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area.
The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians.
- Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications--a national standard of technician competence.
